A group of small sport-utility vehicles scored poorly in the insurance industry's first test designed to measure how their occupants would be protected in a side impact crash involving another SUV, the Detroit News reported. The newspaper said that the Insurance Industry for Highway Safety, which conducts and publicizes results of two other crash tests, is beginning a new crash testing program to evaluate how well cars and light trucks sold in the US hold up when struck in the side by SUVs. Testing for 11 small SUVs will be published in May. According to the Detroit News, institute president Brian O'Neill said vehicles without side air bags aren't doing well protecting occupants in its new crash test. Three models tested with air bags are performing noticeably better. "We want side air bags to be standard equipment," O'Neill told the Detroit News. The paper said that, of the 11 small SUVs tested, only two -- the Hyundai Sante Fe and the Subaru Forrester -- offer side air bags as standard equipment. Five other compact SUVs offer optional side air bags. Four models don't have side air bags. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration spokesman Rae Tyson told the Detroit News that the agency is considering changes to its side-impact testing program.
Insurance Institute Wants Side Airbags In Small SUVs
More Small Fleet

Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →How One Fleet Cut Motor Pool Costs by $45K With Smarter Key Control and Automation
Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.
Read More →Artificial Intelligence in Field Service: North America
48% of field service leaders are investing in AI to manage customer communication and self-service. Get the latest on how fleets are using AI and thinking about the future.
Read More →
Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries
There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Read More →
It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America
Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.
Read More →
VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone
A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski
VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.
Read More →
Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!
Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.
Read More →
